Bankruptcy Attorney: A Solution To Your Debt Crisis
Last updated on April 6, 2026
Are you overwhelmed with debt? Are creditors threatening to take action? Call Silin Law Firm PLLC for the help you need to reduce your debts, stop creditor harassment and protect your hard-earned assets.
I am bankruptcy attorney Rita Nahlik Silin and I help individuals and couples in Ocean Springs, Biloxi and the Gulf Coast of Mississippi in getting a fresh start through bankruptcy. I will address your concerns and personally guide you through this process.
Bankruptcy Provides Immediate Relief From Creditors
As a bankruptcy lawyer, I can help you obtain a Chapter 7 discharge of debts or a Chapter 13 debt repayment plan, depending on your income and assets. Filing for bankruptcy can:
- Pause foreclosure and help you keep your home
- Prevent vehicle repossession
- Stop wage garnishment
- End the harassing phone calls from debt collectors
Bankruptcy Reduces Or Eliminates Your Debts
Unsecured debts like credit card debt, medical bills and utility bills are wiped clean in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy. You are free from those debts, and those creditors cannot come after you.
In a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you repay part of your debts through monthly payments to the court. Chapter 13 can help you keep your home if you are behind on the mortgage.
Keep in mind that not all of your debts are eligible. For example, you cannot discharge child support, student loans or most taxes. But you will be able to keep most (and maybe all) of your assets, including pension and retirement savings.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bankruptcy In Mississippi
Here are answers to common questions about bankruptcy proceedings and what to expect when filing for debt relief on the Gulf Coast.
Will I lose all my assets if I file for bankruptcy?
No, you will not lose all your assets when filing for bankruptcy. Federal and Mississippi state bankruptcy laws provide exemptions that protect essential property from liquidation. Most debtors keep their primary residence, vehicle, household furnishings, clothing and retirement accounts.
In Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you typically keep all exempt property, while nonexempt assets may be sold to pay creditors. However, many people have few nonexempt assets and keep everything they own. Chapter 13 bankruptcy allows you to keep all property while repaying debts through a payment plan.
How does bankruptcy affect my credit score?
Bankruptcy will initially lower your credit score, but the impact depends on your credit situation before filing. If you are already behind on payments or have accounts in collections, your credit may already be damaged.
Chapter 7 bankruptcy remains on your credit report for 10 years, while Chapter 13 stays for seven years. However, you can begin rebuilding credit immediately after receiving your discharge. Many clients see their credit scores improve within one to two years as they establish a positive payment history without the burden of unmanageable debt.
Can I file for bankruptcy if I’m married, and how does it affect my spouse?
You can file for bankruptcy individually even if you are married, and your spouse is not required to file with you. However, if you have joint debts, your spouse may still be responsible for those obligations after your bankruptcy discharge.
Filing jointly as a married couple can be beneficial when both spouses have significant debt or when most debts are held jointly. Joint filing doubles your exemption amounts in many cases, potentially protecting more property.
How long does the bankruptcy process typically take?
Chapter 7 bankruptcy typically takes three to four months from filing to discharge. Chapter 13 cases last three to five years, depending on your income and repayment plan, though you receive protection from creditors immediately upon filing.
Do I need to hire a lawyer to file for bankruptcy, or can I do it myself?
While you can file bankruptcy without a bankruptcy attorney, having experienced legal representation significantly improves your chances of success and protects you from costly mistakes that could result in case dismissal or asset loss.
Are You Ready To Explore Bankruptcy?
Whatever led to your debt trouble – job loss, divorce, health problems or just gradually falling behind – a bankruptcy lawyer can help getting your finances back on track.
You probably have lots of questions. I offer a free phone consultation to discuss your situation and whether bankruptcy is the right solution for you. To get started on the road to relief, call my Jackson County office at 228-215-3080 or contact me online.
Silin Law Firm PLLC is a debt relief agency. I help people file for relief under the Bankruptcy Code.